INSTEM – AN INTRODUCTION
INSTEM is a Comenius network (2012 – 2015), which brings together the experience and learning of a wide range of projects in European Science and Mathematics education. INSTEM links research, practice and policy in a unique way. Its main goal is to promote inquiry based teaching, to gather innovative teaching methods and to offer students career information in STEM subjects, in order to respond to global challenges in teaching and gender imbalances in STEM education.
The INSTEM project was developed from the idea that projects in STEM education should talk to each other and share their ideas. It grew out of the informal group ProCoNet (Project Coordinators‘ Network), which was formed in 2011. INSTEM and ProCoNet work closely together and provide a single channel to communicate with European Union directorates and other policymaking organisations. INSTEM also acts as an integrated provider of STEM education materials and techniques, based on the work of previous projects. It works with national teams on the implementation of good science and mathematics teaching, using inquiry as a starting point whilst being open to all innovative and effective approaches.
INSTEM will initially develop accessible synthesis reports and briefings, and will also provide regular updates on progress in STEM education, based on state of the art information from researchers, practitioners and policymakers in the field. It goes beyond previous ‘clearing-house‘ activities by taking a critical, reflective and inclusive approach to the various strands of practice and development work carried out in projects across Europe.